The radio equipment that Icom is supplying will be primarily used to provide communication between race officials in ten venues across Europe. The Icom radio equipment will assist Powerboat P1 staff to co-ordinate race starts, updates and results, as well as helping with all team communications and race delivery, such as the erection of the Powerboat P1 race village and organising the collection of VIP guests.

Powerboat P1 Management Ltd is the rights holders to the Powerboat P1 World Championship and SuperStock Championship. Global leaders of marine motorsport racing, running Grand Prix events across Europe, each Powerboat P1 race sees single or twin-engine monohull powerboats, racing at speeds between 90 and 200 kph.

In 2010, teams in the Evolution and SuperSport Classes will compete for the World Championship, in the series’ eighth season. Meanwhile the beginning of the new decade marks the first year of the SuperStock Championship in Powerboat P1 colours, following last year’s takeover from the UK-based, Formula 4-Stroke Association

During a Grand Prix of the Sea weekend, teams will compete in races measuring between 20 nautical miles (37KM) and 80 nautical miles (148 KM), with the team accumulating the most points over the weekend, claiming the overall Grand Prix title and championship points.

Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK Ltd said, ‘We are very excited to be involved with this exciting sport. The expansion of the series, the proactive development of the Powerboat P1 brand has meant great exposure for the Icom brand throughout Europe We are especially looking forward to getting closer to the teams and fans by taking space in the ‘Fan Zone’ at each event in the racing calendar. Here is to a great year of premier marine motorsport.’

The Icom family has a dedicated webpage to the series which can be found at:

www.icomuk.co.uk/powerboatP1

You will be able to find details of the series and links to all the events.

All press release images are available for download from our imagebank at: www.icomuk.co.uk/imagebank

To learn more about WMM2010, please visit this link:
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/WMM/DoDWMM.shtml

Maretron’s GPS200 is a state-of-the-art 32 channel GPS antenna/ receiver capable of producing five position fixes per second. The GPS200 has unprecedented sensitivity and can even be mounted underneath a fibreglass deck. An additional benefit of the GPS200 is that it broadcasts precision magnetic variation information using the current position and World Magnetic Model (WMM2010).

The GPS200 automatically decodes GPS correction signals from Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) including the North American Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS), or the Asian Multifunctional Transport Satellite based Augmentation System (MSAS) to provide better than 2.5m accuracy.

The GPS200 is easily mounted to any 1” standard marine mount with its standard 1”–14″ male threads. It can also be mounted directly to a deck.

SM GROUP (Europe) Ltd are the Maretron Distributor for the United Kingdom and Ireland and officially launched the Maretron product line at the London International Boat Show at the Excel Centre in London, UK.

For detailed product information visit www.maretron.com.

“Our focus at C A Clase is to provide customers with high quality products and services. From delivery and installation to after sales and technical support, it is imperative that the high standard we strive to achieve is matched by a strong dealer network. The training has ensured understanding of Inmarsat FleetBroadband products and services is consistent across the board,” comments Andrew Bush, Managing Director, C A Clase.

The training provided dealers with detailed product and service training, including information on Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband infrastructure and systems for marine leisure applications. Participants were also able to learn more about how to specify the correct solution to meet customer requirement.

Based in Hampshire, CA Clase (UK) Ltd is the exclusive UK distributor of KVH satellite communication and television products for both leisure and commercial marine markets.

For further information, please visit www.caclase.co.uk.

The ‘Avia Onboard’ software is now able to display NMEA 2000 data by using the Actisense NGT-1 to interface between the PC and the NMEA 2000 bus.

The NGT-1 PC Interface is a fully NMEA 2000 certified device allowing for the transmission of data on and off an NMEA 2000 bus. It is able to precisely transfer messages while enforcing the NMEA 2000 rules, maintaining the integrity of the NMEA 2000 bus and preventing any illegal operations.

The Actisense team has been working with Avia Design since summer 2009 to integrate the NGT with the Avia software. By providing the Actisense NGT-1 Software Development Kit (SDK), Actisense were able to greatly reduce the development time for Avia, enabling them to bring their product quickly to market
across the world.

The Application Programming Interface (API) is provided by Actisense as a Dynamic-Link Library (DLL). It allows quick and easy integration into existing software systems. Avia were able to work with the DLL straight away and within six months had a fully tested product.

Phil Whitehurst, Managing Director of Active Research said “ The simulator and instrument packages available from Avia Design each need an Actisense NGT-1-USB NMEA 2000 PC Interface to connect the NMEA 2000 bus to the USB port on the PC. The Actisense units will be provided as part of the package
from Avia.

“We are delighted with this collaboration which demonstrates that by using the NGT-1, software manufacturers can bring their NMEA 2000 software products to market quickly whilst keeping costs down. By using the NGT-1, software manufacturers can introduce the NMEA 2000 compatible software their customers want.

“We hope that this collaboration with Avia will be the first of many and wish them every success in the launch of Avia Onboard”.

Avia Onboard is an NMEA 2000 instrument package with screens for monitoring sailing, motoring, weather, tanks, AC and DC power. The program can be configured to choose which screens are displayed. Additionally a choice of backgrounds and fonts enables a customised appearance. Grahame Shannon, President, Avia Design Group commented “Actisense support was amazingly prompt and all issues during development were dealt with in careful detail. We are delighted to be associated with such a professional and effective supplier. Without Actisense our product would not be possible.”

The Shakespeare 5247-A   – Lift N Lay Antenna. A 3 ft. (0.91 M) VHF Marine Band  3dB, Low-profile, end fed, ½-wave with heavy-duty stainless steel whip. It is a 3dB base load antenna with a three-foot heavy duty stainless steel whip, which Lifts-n-Lays down, out of the way. Ideal for fishing boats, RIBs, canal boats, etc., which pass under low bridges or are stored under cover. The Lift ‘n Lay feature making the antenna very easy to set up and lay down. It has a heavy duty whip for extra stability at high speeds.

Shakespeare Style 5250   Skinny Mini 3 ft. (0.91 M) VHF Marine Band  3dB end-fed, ½-wave, stainless steel whip. This compact, lightweight antenna is ideal for vessels where space is limited. Its chrome plated brass canister minimizes de-tuning. 15 ft cable and PL-259 connector are included.

For full details, prices, availability, etc. please contact Richard Belfrage or Tony Arnold at

Shakespeare Electronic Product Group
Enterprise Way
Fleetwood
Lancs.
FY7 8RY

Tel: 01253 858787
E mail: tony.arnold@jardenuk.co.uk

Safelink EPIRB  works on the global COSPAS SARSAT search and rescue satellite system (www.cospas-sarsat.org). The system is supported by international government search and rescue authorities around the world, so a call for help will be acted upon and fast. Once activated the Safelink EPIRB transmits a unique identification signal along with your current position via the COSPAS SARSAT search and rescue satellite system on 406 MHz. The signal is then quickly passed to regional search and rescue authorities who can rapidly get to the scene.

The Safelink EPIRB must be registered to the vessel on which it resides. Registration with each national EPIRB Registry is simple and cost free and furthermore there are no subscription fees to pay.

The ultra compact and stylish 406MHz Safelink heralds the arrival of the next generation in EPIRB technology for both commercial mariners and leisure boaters. Safelink is the first EPIRB to have an integrated antenna, enabling it to be such a compact size.  The user-replaceable battery makes future battery changes easier and more economical for the owner (for non legislated applications only).

Once activated, Safelink’s 406 MHz signal will continue to transmit for at least 48 hours at temperatures as low as -20°c. Safelink is waterproof and floats upright, allowing it to be tethered to a liferaft and left to transmit. The powerful 406 MHz 5 watt output transmission ensures that a call for help gets through to the international search and rescue authorities even from the most remote locations around the world.  The integral high accuracy GPS provides an accurate position,  typically +/- 62 metres along with new position updates every 20 minutes for fast recovery. Safelink  also features a 121.5MHz homing signal to further assist with local recovery, while its high-brightness LED flashing locator lights aid visual location.
The Safelink EPIRB range offers two models.  One features a manual deployment bracket and the other an automatic deployment housing which also includes a hydrostatic release unit.

The Safelink has a 5 year warranty and 6 year battery life.   The Safelink EPIRB range is available from April 2010 and is offered as part of the new Kannad Marine range of emergency distress beacons.

Safelink Auto EPIRB (in automatic housing)  £638.29  SSP ex VAT
Safelink Manual EPIRB     £463.83  SSP ex VAT

Key Features

• Innovative new design
• User replaceable battery pack
• Integral printed circuit antenna
• Buoyant and waterproof
• Self-righting, stable platform for optimum GPS performance
• Auto release option has clean design lines and the smallest footprint ever   
• GMDSS and SOLAS qualified

The internationally approved Kannad Marine 406 MHz EPIRB works on the global COSPAS SARSAT search and rescue satellite system (www.cospas-sarsat.org). The system is supported by international government search and rescue authorities around the world, so a call for help will be acted upon and fast. Once activated the Kannad Marine EPIRB transmits a unique identification signal along with your current position via the COSPAS SARSAT search and rescue satellite system on 406 MHz. The signal is then quickly passed to regional search and rescue authorities who can rapidly get to the scene.

The Kannad Marine EPIRB must be registered to the vessel on which it resides.  Registration with each national EPIRB Registry is simple and free of charge.
Once activated, the Kannad Marine EPIRB’s 406 MHz signal will continue to transmit for at least 48 hours at temperatures as low as -20°c. Safelink is waterproof and floats upright, allowing it to be tethered to a liferaft and left to transmit. The powerful 406 MHz 5 watt output transmission ensures that a call for help gets through to the international search and rescue authorities even from the most remote locations around the world.  It also features a 121.5MHz homing signal to further assist with local recovery and the high brightness LED flashing locator lights further aid location in darkness.

The range includes two models.  One features a manual deployment CARRYSAFE bracket and the other an automatic deployment housing which also includes a hydrostatic release unit. When purchased with the Auto Housing the EPIRB meets IMO SOLAS requirements making it suitable for all classes of commercial vessel. 

The Kannad Marine EPIRB range has a 5 year warranty and battery life, and the non hazardous battery aids safe and easy transportation.  The Kannad Marine EPIRB range is available from March 2010 and is offered as part of the new Kannad Marine range of emergency distress beacons. 

Kannad Marine Auto EPIRB (in automatic housing)  £497.87  SSP ex VAT
Kannad Marine Manual EPIRB     £319.14  SSP ex VAT

Rugged and compact, the Safelink AIS SART is easy to operate and deploy.  It transmits target survivor information to vessels in the vicinity. The alert messages include GPS position information and serialised identity number. Once activated the Safelink AIS SART transmits continually for a minimum of 96 hours. A built-in high precision GPS provides accurate position information to assist in quick recovery of survivors.

The Safelink AIS SART is a portable device packed inside a quick release carry off bag for quick evacuation. Waterproof to 10 metres and buoyant, the Safelink AIS SART also has a long life 6 year replaceable battery . Whether wall mounted in the ship’s bridge or packed inside a survival craft the highly visible and buoyant carry case affords maximum protection.

The Kannad Marine Safelink AIS SART is available from March 2010 and is offered as part of the new Kannad Marine range of emergency distress beacons. 

Safelink AIS SART       £425.00  SSP ex VAT

Key Features

• Powerful 1 watt AIS survivor beacon transmitter 
• Built-in high precession GPS chip set
• Low maintenance battery, 6 year storage life
• Comprehensive self test diagnostics and GPS acquisition test
• Wall mounting bracket and carry off protective stowage case supplied as standard 
• Telescopic GRP elevation pole, for increased range

Safelink Pro PLB works on the global COSPAS SARSAT 406 MHz search and rescue satellite system (www.cospas-sarsat.org). The system is supported by international government search and rescue authorities around the world, so a call for help will be acted upon and fast. Once activated, the Safelink Pro PLB transmits a unique identification signal along with the user’s current position via the COSPAS SARSAT search and rescue satellite system on 406 MHz. The signal is then quickly passed to regional search and rescue authorities who can rapidly get to the scene.

The Safelink Pro PLB is registered to the individual, meaning that the unique identification signal is registered to you with your personal details. Registration with each national EPIRB Registry is simple and free of charge besides which there are no subscription fees to pay.

Safelink Pro brings added dimensions to safety. Once activated, Safelink Pro’s 406 MHz signal will continue to transmit for at least 48 hours at temperatures as low as -20°c. The powerful 406 MHz 5 watt output transmission ensures that a call for help gets through to the international search and rescue authorities even from the most remote locations around the world. The integral high accuracy GPS provides a position of typically +/- 62 metres along with new position updates every 20 minutes for fast recovery. Safelink Pro also features a 121.5MHz homing signal to further assist with local recovery.

Safelink Pro is designed to withstand the harshest of environments while still being extremely easy to operate and small enough to carry at all times. Safelink Pro has a 5 year warranty and battery life and a user replaceable battery pack. It is buoyant, waterproof to 10 metres and comes complete with its own carry pouch and lanyard.

The Safelink Pro range is available from March 2010 and is offered as part of the new Kannad Marine range of emergency distress beacons.

SSP ex VAT
Safelink Pro PLB £340.00

Key Features

• Long duration, 48 hour, user replaceable battery pack.
• Buoyant and waterproof
• Discrete antenna deployment system
• Inbuilt high precession GPS chip set
• Dual channel 406 & 121.5 MHz

The Entry Level displays offer large 38mm readouts, backlighting for night sailing and are completely waterproof to 10m ensuring no condensation.

A number of Entry Level systems are available including a retrofit option for those who already have the relevant Airmar tranducers installed; an Entry Level Depth System and an Entry Level Speed System and a combined Entry Level Speed and Depth System with two displays.

The Entry Level Wind system which was launched earlier in 2009 includes the display and wireless wind transmitter.

For more information and full pricing information visit http://www.tacktick.com . The website includes a configurator function which will design the perfect wireless electronics system for your boat.

Ships Electronics Services (SES), the Rochester based UK distributor of Seaview, has announced the introduction of a stylish high-grade Carbon Fibre mast for navigation, communication and night vision camera equipment. Seaview is the world’s largest mounting bracket manufacturer, supplying many of the most respected yacht builders globally.

The exceptionally light weight PMA 100C is an aft leaning, tapered mast which provides a universal radar mounting plate to fit all 2kW and 4kW radars. The mast is equipped with spreaders that have threaded adapters for GPS and other accessory installations while the top plate is drilled and tapped to accept a navigation light. The base plate measures 25.4 cm x 25.4 cm and the mast height is 76.2 cm. This elegant lightweight mast not only offers a stylish addition to any yacht but provides lasting investment.

Simon Wood, Director of SES commented, “This is a high tech mast capable of accepting a range of electronic equipment and will look the part on any appropriate yacht. There are significant weight savings over a conventional mast, while it remains exceptionally robust, in the traditional of all Seaview mounting brackets. In the PMA 100C, Seaview have shown that they can work in exotic materials such as Carbon Fibre to produce a truly outstanding product in both utility and design.”

The Seaview carbon mast will be available from SES with immediate effect.

The pair will be running the Silverstone Half Marathon which is run by the organisers of the London Marathon. The course is set across the world famous Formula 1 tarmac that has seen legends such as Mansell, Villeneuve and Schumacher win some of their greatest Formula 1 motor racing titles. The race acts as an integral part of the build up to the Virgin London Marathon and provides not only a warm up to the marathon runners, but a terrific opportunity for runners of all abilities to experience the flavour of a large scale running event.

Jerry and Ian are both newcomers to road running, having started about 8 months ago. Ian Lockyer said,’ I started running because I was putting too much weight on. I got to a stage where my clothes were becoming too tight and I thought enough was enough and joined a running club. Eight months on and we are now starting to hit the dizzy heights of running 10 miles; 13 will be a challenge!’

Jerry Kelk said,’ We are both training very hard for this course so that we don’t let our supporters down. Having a great charity to run for gives us the motivation to get out on our training runs in our lunch hours and on those cold winter nights.’

Pilgrims Hospices is a charity providing palliative care free of charge to people in East Kent. The charity cares for patients with a range of terminal illnesses including cancer, heart failure, respiratory conditions and neurological diseases. Care is provided at its three sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, in patients’ homes and via community programmes. Care is also extended to families and carers.

Ian said, ’I think that most people in East Kent have been touched by the fantastic work that the Hospice does. In fact, my own father in law died in the Pilgrims Hospices in Thanet and our family is very grateful for the dignified and comfortable end to his life.’

Deborah Kellond, Regional Fundraising Manager from Pilgrims Hospices says, ‘We are delighted that Jerry and Ian are turning their newfound passion for running into a great fundraising opportunity for Pilgrims Hospices. The money they raise from the Silverstone Half Marathon will help us to keep delivering the palliative care, free of charge, to the people of East Kent. We wish them the very best of luck!’

Phil Hadler, Managing Director of Icom UK Ltd said,’ Jerry and Ian can be seen going out at lunchtime for their running. This shows admirable spirit and a great commitment to getting fit. Everyone at Icom wishes them all the best in their challenge.’

If you would like to support their fundraising please click here

The MA-500TR is a compact, waterproof Class B AIS Transponder which actively notifies other vessels of your exact position. The MA-500TR also has a dual channel receiver allowing boat owners to receive AIS information (both Class A and Class B AIS signals) on two channels simultaneously. This real-time information is then displayed on its large, backlit full dot-matrix display giving the boatowner real-time vessel traffic information thus aiding navigation and collision avoidance.

The MA-500TR’s compact size means that it can for example be installed in a convenient place near the chart table, in the wheelhouse, on the fly bridge or on a pedestal in the cockpit. The MA-500TR features large, easy to use, backlit buttons that will make it easy to operate even in tough conditions. The MA-500TR can be integrated with the Icom IC-M505/IC-M603* allowing you to transmit DSC individual calls to a selected vessel instantly without manual MMSI entry; very handy in an emergency. The MA-500TR AIS data output uses the NMEA 0183 format for easy  connectivity to most radars, chart plotters, and navigation systems.

The MA-500TR has several collision-risk management functions. It identifies a target list (those in a local area), dangerous list (those you could potentially collide with) and what the closest point of approach is. A collision alarm and external alarm connection to optional external audio equipment gives the boatowner extra warning of potential impact.

Visitors to the London Boatshow 2010 will be able to see preview products of the MA-500TR on Icom UK stand (N031J). The MA-500TR should be in the shops by the start of the season. No price has yet been set. An optional 3 year warranty will be available for customers who complete their details online.

Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager at Icom UK Ltd said,’ The MA-500TR does what it says on the tin. It’s compact, easy to use and its clear dot matrix display means that it is easy to view other vessel traffic and information. It is the ideal transponder/receiver for any boatowner who wants to make a more informed navigational decision when out at sea. The unit can be integrated with either Icom’s IC-M505* or IC-M603* allowing you to make an individual DSC call instantly from the MA-500TR.’

Lithium-Ion is half the weight of water, yet able to store a large amount of power, so has traditionally been used for portable electrical devices such as laptops and mobile phones. Mastervolt was the first Company to upscale the technology into a full-sized marine version, providing boat owners with a 24-volt 8-cell battery, which is three times lighter than a conventional lead acid equivalent, with three times the life cycle.

Mastervolt’s Lithium-Ion technology also represents excellent value for money. Whilst initially more than three times more expensive than an equivalent lead -acid gel battery, the Li-ion can also be discharged far deeper without damage, so is a far better long-term investment. Thanks to a highly sophisticated built-in power balancing system, it is also extremely safe and durable.

With the success of its 24-volt model, which has proved particularly popular with blue water yachtsmen and electric boat enthusiasts, Mastervolt is in the final stages of developing a 12-volt version. It is the same height and width, yet half the length of its bigger sister. The new battery will have all of the attributes of the 24-volt model, such as integrated carrying handles, shielded connection posts and neat ducting along the top, which hides away the connecting cables.  More details will be available prior to the launch in mid-2010.

“Increased production of raw Lithium, due to its wider usage, has resulted in a reduction in pricing, and therefore we are able to benefit from the economies of scale,” explained Technical Director John De Rijk, who spearheads the Mastervolt Lithium-Ion programme. “We are also able to bring new products to market, such as the smaller 12-volt battery. Boats of all types are being fitted with increasing amounts of electrical equipment, and Lithium-Ion has so much to offer in terms of huge weight savings, deep discharging without damage, and a very long life.”

Marketing Manager Marc Persoon remarked, “We have been delighted with the success of the Lithium-Ion battery. We’re working hard to develop ever more efficient equipment for the exciting world of hybrid drives and for self-sufficient power installations in general. Lithium-Ion is a key element in that research. We can now produce smaller batteries with the same unique advantages of the 24-volt model. For reliable, long-term power without a weight penalty, Lithium-Ion is definitely the marine battery of the future – and it’s now an even better investment.”

The Mastervolt 24-volt Li-Ion battery now retails at £4,600 + VAT.

Maretron’s corporate philosophy is to provide premium quality, state-of-the-art marine electronics that work together with traditional navigation techniques for the highest level of safety and performance while boating.

Alex Longworth Technical Sales Manager of SM GROUP (Europe) Ltd commented “This is terrific news, the Maretron range of NMEA 2000 products fits comfortably into our expansive portfolio of products and compliments rather than competes with other products in our range. The concept of NMEA 2000 compatibly grows each year and the  Maretron range allows the networking and expansion of integrated systems from different manufacturers which the boat owner now demands”

Says Larry Anderson, Maretron’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Maretron’s partnership with SM GROUP should allow us to grow our distribution network exponentially in the UK and Ireland. Not only will SMG bring a fresh focus into their geographical marine electronics marketplace, but they also enable Maretron’s new generation of affordable Vessel Monitoring Systems to be seriously introduced in the UK,”

Established in 1973, SM GROUP is a leading distributor of specialist electronic equipment for the Marine, Automotive and Outdoor Pursuit markets. SM GROUP officially launched the Maretron product line at the London International Boat Show at the Excel Centre in London, UK.

For detailed product information visit www.maretron.com.

Nick Lean of Sunseeker said, ‘The demand for the new Raymarine E Series Widescreen by Sunseeker clients has been high and resulted in three boats displaying them at the show. With the new look, HybridTouch and product functionality our clients are selecting this new product on a number of newly ordered Sunseekers.’

He also said that any Sunseeker normally fitted with an E Series will in future be sporting the new E Series Widescreen, adding that many clients are requesting the largest E140W model to be fitted. 

The new E Series Widescreen is now available for customers worldwide, and its unique HybridTouch – combining touch screen technology with traditional hard key operation – enables quick and easy access to fast and accurate data.  The E Series Widescreen is exceptionally easy to use, with its refined interface, quick-to-learn functions, visually dynamic graphics and intuitive menus.

There are certain criteria for applying:

•Companies with less than five employees:  You can apply for 50% of the course fee, up to the value of £500.  All training can be considered.
•Companies with more than five employees:  You can apply for 30% of the course fee, up to the value of £500.  Courses must be non-statutory, non-regulatory and not related essential qualifications that are required to meet basic operation needs.
•No company will be awarded grants in any one financial year amounting to more than £500.
A BMF training grant really does make a difference!  A certain budget is allocated for the training grant pot, which is next due to be re-stocked in the new financial year (1 July).  Therefore, don’t delay and apply for a BMF training grant today!

For further information on training grants, please contact Liv Whetmore on (01784) 223631 or e-mail:  lwhetmore@britishmarine.co.uk.

“To have welcomed over 100,000 visitors to the 2010 Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, considering such adverse weather, has been reassuring for the Show and importantly the marine industry,” said Andrew Williams, Managing Director of National Boat Shows.  “Indeed, to have opened the Show on time at 10am last Friday (8 January), with exhibitors and the Show ready and waiting was an amazing achievement in itself.  Feedback has been exceptional and despite a quiet few days at the beginning, the atmosphere within the halls and support from the exhibitors has been superb.”

Visitors to the Show enjoyed over 500 exhibitors and almost 1,000 boats; witnessed over 80 new product launches including 18 global debuts; were captivated by high energy dance extravaganza ‘Rock the Boat’; enjoyed seeing the Corps of Royal Engineers performing high-speed manoeuvres on the Royal Victoria Dock; and were enthralled by hit ITV1 show X Factor stars Olly Murs and Stacey Solomon who performed live on the Show Stage powered by Fairline to officially open the Show, and again on Late Night Thursday.

Participation at the event has also been important.  450 people went diving, 320 visitors tried canoeing over the weekends and 2,500 raced model boats.  The BMF’s new initiative On The Water gave boating advice to over 1,000 visitors, from how to start boating, to what to upgrade to.  In addition, the Marine Trades Association’s Boating on a Budget project raised over £18,000 to help Burnham-on-Crouch house its new RNLI lifeboat.

Paul Strzelecki, Chairman of National Boat Shows said: “This Show has been a credit to our industry and those who work in it.  We have met the dual challenges of terrible weather and a difficult economy with a spirit of positivity and enthusiasm which ensures that we start 2010 with renewed optimism, looking forward to the PSP Southampton Boat Show in September.”

Terry Smith, Chief Executive of title sponsor Tullett Prebon said: “Tens of thousands of people in the UK regularly participate in both recreational and competitive watersports.  The UK marine industry is also big business, employing thousands and exporting products across the world.  Members of the British Marine Federation are world leaders in the design and construction of yachts, power boats and their accessories and this is an industry of which all in the UK can be proud.  “As such it is important for the industry in the UK to have a high profile annual exhibition to showcase the products and services it provides, and this year’s Show was no exception.”

Consultation with exhibitors regarding the development of the London International Boat Show has been going on throughout the week.  This has identified many new concepts and ideas and NBS will be developing these into plans to ensure the Show continues to go from strength to strength, delivering such a vital showcase for the UK marine industry.

With such a relevant audience making it to this year’s Show, exhibitors have been reporting strong sales and much positive interest.  Indeed, within hours of the Show opening last Friday, Nautique Marine announced the sale of a 20ft Nautique 200.

Claire Horsman, Northshore: “Southerly was very pleased again with this year’s Show.  In spite of the appalling weather conditions at the beginning of the week our stand, even though bigger than last year, was constantly full of people eager to learn about the Southerly 49 with its unique swing keel.  Overall, Southerly has had a very successful Show and surpassed our sales targets.  We noticed a distinct mix of serious international visitors at the Show and we are planning a larger stand for 2011.”

Michel Francois, Jeanneau:  “Considering the weather conditions we have had a good Show.  Combining sail and power onto one stand has worked well for us and we look forward to working with NBS to further develop our presence next year and beyond.” 

Peter Thomas, Sales Manager, Cornish Crabbers LLP:  “The Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our boats at a key time leading up to the new sailing season. This year has proved no exception with our sales targets achieved and overwhelming enquiries into our new Crabber 26 giving great encouragement.  We now go into the New Year with a seven month order book and a line of firm enquiries that will take us through to the PSP Southampton Boat Show in September.  A well organised Show which has overcome the weather and financial conditions to provide a confident display to the boat buying public. Well done BMF and NBS.”

Miles Moorhouse, Fairline:  “We’re experiencing a bumper year, selling across the range from big to small to clients from all over the world.  We met our sales target for the Show before the final weekend.”

David Howard, Aqua-dock:  “This has been the first show for Aqua-dock.  We’ve been thrilled with the results, taking a number of orders together with enquiries from all parts of the world.  In uncertain economic times, it’s rewarding to sell a British made product at a truly British show.”

Richard Pillow, Personal Touch:  “We were pleased to see the dedicated visitors who came to the Show the first weekend.  We managed to take a bigger stand at the Show, thanks to NBS’ ECD scheme, and this proved fruitful as Saturday (16 January) was our best ever sales day including all the years at Earls Court.  Overall, we’re up on last year’s sales figures.”

To provide its Irish customer base with better access to sales advice, products, and after sales support, Raymarine has strengthened its Dealer Network with Colin Coady Marine and Niki Potterton Marine Electrical appointed as Service Dealers in the Dublin area.  Martek Ltd of Port Laoaise has been appointed to serve the burgeoning demand for marine electronics on light commercial vessels.

These appointments are in addition to the well established Raymarine Service Dealer and Retail Centre network, and have been made to ensure Irish-based customers have easy access to the best technical advice, sales and product support.

Marketing Manager for UK and Ireland Gemma Westcott says, “The recently launched HybridTouch™ and HD Digital Radomes have aroused great interest with Irish customers.  The networkable C-Series Wide, which was launched last year, has proved very popular and the E-Series HybridTouch and HD Digital Radomes are the next generation in boat charting and radar technology.”

With its new technology and enhanced dealer network in place, Raymarine is strengthening its position to ensure the company remains the first choice for marine electronics in Ireland. For more information on Raymarine products and to find out where to get advice locally please visit www.raymarine.co.uk

•NMEA 2000® Characteristics
•Physical Layer
•Key Components of Network
•Installation Issues
•Certification of NMEA 2000 Products
•How does CAN work

Price: BMF members – £75.00 + VAT
Non members – £99.00 + VAT

For further details, please contact Liv Whetmore on (01784) 223631 or email:  lwhetmore@britishmarine.co.uk.